Facing opposition from hospitals, physicians and others, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would delay its two-midnight rule until Sept. 30 with enforcement beginning in October.

The controversial policy, issued with the 2014 inpatient prospective payment rules, established that inpatient hospital stays that did not last through two midnights would be paid as outpatient services. A stay longer than two midnights would qualify for Medicare Part A reimbursement.

Hospital leaders and physicians will likely continue their opposition to the rule, which they have told Congress is arbitrary and confusing. View a frequently asked questions document to learn more about this rule on the CMS website.